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Question about snare sensitivity.

Posts: 10 Threads: 5

I read the "basic setup of a snare" sticky but there are things I'm still unsure of.

I'm trying to setup a 14X8 Yamaha snare. For big hits, you can hear the snare no problem and the overall drum has a pretty good sound.

For small hits, you can barely hear the snare. It's almost like you can hear the sound from the snare head only. But I was thinking that maybe this is normal on a deep snare like that? I was wondering what I could do to make the snare resonate more. Does the tightening of the bottom head affect how much you hear the snare? Right now it's pretty tight. If I tune it too tightly, could that lower the sensitivity of the snare? I've tried different settings and there doesn't seem to be a way to make the snare more sensitive.

Posted on 9 years ago
#1
Posts: 2406 Threads: 55

From clem84

I read the "basic setup of a snare" sticky but there are things I'm still unsure of.I'm trying to setup a 14X8 Yamaha snare. For big hits, you can hear the snare no problem and the overall drum has a pretty good sound.For small hits, you can barely hear the snare. It's almost like you can hear the sound from the snare head only. But I was thinking that maybe this is normal on a deep snare like that? I was wondering what I could do to make the snare resonate more. Does the tightening of the bottom head affect how much you hear the snare? Right now it's pretty tight. If I tune it too tightly, could that lower the sensitivity of the snare? I've tried different settings and there doesn't seem to be a way to make the snare more sensitive.

Clem84!

An interesting query!, but the answer is actually pretty straight forward! With a drum in the 8X14 size, well... that's a LARGE column for the air to travel before the snares get excited and make a sound. Generally speaking.. and there are exceptions of course! .. the shallower depth snare drums are more "sensitive", and certainly quicker in the "make the wires vibrate" department. Where the 8X14 RULES though, is for a FAT sounding snare drum that gets played perhaps with a little more impact, as that's what it takes to get that air moving DOWN to the reso head/wires. Can the drum be made to be more sensitive? I'm sure it can... probably by the use of thinner heads and perhaps even 16 strand wires. Anything you can do to make it easier for the air column to make things move is the key. But...

... maybe the best thing is to switch it out for say a 5X14, or even a 6.5X14... as both those will react much quicker and with what seems like "more sensitivity" . Hope this was of some aid!

Tommyp

Posted on 9 years ago
#2
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Tommy P pretty much summed it up,....your drum is the type played in the field or on the gym floor with company. The timing on those numbers is usually quick and speed is power. Made to be hit, no do gentle....

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 9 years ago
#3
Posts: 10 Threads: 5

Thanks for the replies. :) I'll look into the 16 strand wires thing and thinner heads.

Posted on 9 years ago
#4
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

You can always play a smaller snare for a softer but fuller sound switch em up good to have a few snares in your arsenal good luck.

Btw tommy p that's was pretty much nailed on the head that's why marching drums are so loud ....

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 9 years ago
#5
Posts: 545 Threads: 67

I sometimes use a 14x10 or even a 14x12 in my band. We play straightforward big 70's rock; no need for ghostnotes or whatsoever. Just hit it on two and four all the time. Works great. The 14 x 10, by the way, is pretty sensitive, though not as sensitive as a shallower snare (off course)

Vintage and custom drum projects:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php...2305272732%3A6
Posted on 9 years ago
#6
Posts: 2023 Threads: 47

Try loosening the snare wires, but not too much. In my experience, that's what makes them respond to ghost notes. You can lightly tap the drum as you loosen the snares until it responds how you want it to.

HTH!

Mitch

Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Posts: 214 Threads: 25

Many 8" Yamaha snares use an extended snare (Super Sensitive style) wire system. Does your snare have that or standard snare throwoff? If it is the extended type, using the proper extended wires will allow it to perform as intended by Yamaha. My two cents.

Posted on 9 years ago
#8
Posts: 677 Threads: 47

You need to use the diplomat (2 mil) snare side head .with these deeper drums the snare side needs to be more easily exited.

I love the jazz era
Posted on 9 years ago
#9
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

From Tommyp

Clem84!An interesting query!, but the answer is actually pretty straight forward! With a drum in the 8X14 size, well... that's a LARGE column for the air to travel before the snares get excited and make a sound. Generally speaking.. and there are exceptions of course! .. the shallower depth snare drums are more "sensitive", and certainly quicker in the "make the wires vibrate" department. Where the 8X14 RULES though, is for a FAT sounding snare drum that gets played perhaps with a little more impact, as that's what it takes to get that air moving DOWN to the reso head/wires. Can the drum be made to be more sensitive? I'm sure it can... probably by the use of thinner heads and perhaps even 16 strand wires. Anything you can do to make it easier for the air column to make things move is the key. But...... maybe the best thing is to switch it out for say a 5X14, or even a 6.5X14... as both those will react much quicker and with what seems like "more sensitivity" . Hope this was of some aid!Tommyp

You're going to put the rest of us out of business!

Excellent response to the response question... :D

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 9 years ago
#10
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